The NFL is continuing to investigate whether footballs used by the New England Patriots in Sunday's game where deflated, the league announced Friday afternoon.The investigation began based on information that suggested that the balls were not inflated to the required range of 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch.Read the entire NFL statementThe NFL has found that 11 of the 12 balls used by Tom Brady and the Patriots were significantly under-inflated, ESPN reported."Prior to the game, the game officials inspect the footballs to be used by each team and confirm that this standard is satisfied, which was done before last Sunday's game," the NFL said in a statement.Related: LePage criticizes Patriots over 'deflate-gate'During the past several days, nearly 40 interviews have been conducted, including those of Patriots personnel, game officials and third parties with relevant information and expertise, the league said.Former player: Deflated footballs are easier to grip"While the evidence thus far supports the conclusion that footballs that were under-inflated were used by the Patriots in the first half, the footballs were properly inflated for the second half and confirmed at the conclusion of the game to have remained properly inflated," the statement continued.The NFL said it hopes the investigation will explain why footballs used in the game were not in compliance with the playing rules and specifically whether any noncompliance was the result of deliberate action.

The NFL is continuing to investigate whether footballs used by the New England Patriots in Sunday's game where deflated, the league announced Friday afternoon.

The investigation began based on information that suggested that the balls were not inflated to the required range of 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch.

The NFL has found that 11 of the 12 balls used by Tom Brady and the Patriots were significantly under-inflated, ESPN reported.

"Prior to the game, the game officials inspect the footballs to be used by each team and confirm that this standard is satisfied, which was done before last Sunday's game," the NFL said in a statement.

During the past several days, nearly 40 interviews have been conducted, including those of Patriots personnel, game officials and third parties with relevant information and expertise, the league said.

"While the evidence thus far supports the conclusion that footballs that were under-inflated were used by the Patriots in the first half, the footballs were properly inflated for the second half and confirmed at the conclusion of the game to have remained properly inflated," the statement continued.

The NFL said it hopes the investigation will explain why footballs used in the game were not in compliance with the playing rules and specifically whether any noncompliance was the result of deliberate action.